Celebration as Shard End shop under threat of closure opens in new premises

LOYAL shoppers campaigning to save a shop dubbed a “lifeline” are celebrating after it opened its doors in new premises – but have vowed to fight on until it is given a place in a multi-million pound urban village.

LOYAL shoppers campaigning to save a shop dubbed a “lifeline” are celebrating after it opened its doors in new premises – but have vowed to fight on until it is given a place in a multi-million pound urban village.

Campaigners have been battling for months to save Save and Save in Shard End Crescent after owner George Akhtar was told he must close his doors at the end of March to make way for the area’s new urban village, part of a £27 million revamp of the area.

The 37-year-old, whose business has become a lifeline for many of his older customers, had wanted a spot in the urban village, but was told he couldn’t because his business was too similar to a Co-op due to open in November.

He was eventually told he could stay open at his current address, in Shard End Crescent, until May 12 before moving to run his business from temporary cabin accommodation in Coneyford Road until the supermarket opens, which he has now done. One campaigner, Dave Pithie, said: “It was a blustery morning but about 40 of the locals turned out, not this time to protest about the closure, but to celebrate the official opening.

“You only had to listen to the various tales from these people as to how important George’s is to this community.

“It was a celebration but we have still some way to go in order that this store is given permission to trade in the new precinct. The lines have been drawn and the battle continues, it is the residents who live here and should have some say in where they trade.”

A spokesman for Midlands Co-operative Society, had earlier said the supermarket prides itself on being ethical and responsible and promised to support the local community. The spokesman added: “We will soon be starting work as part of the regeneration project. This development represents a considerable investment in the area and demonstrates the Society’s continued commitment to the community of Shard End.

“The new store will create a significant number of jobs and will supply a range of quality products.”